Urgent: FAA Cuts 4% of Flights Amid Government Shutdown Chaos

UPDATE: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has just announced significant flight cuts affecting travelers at O’Hare International Airport amid a prolonged government shutdown, causing frustration and confusion for passengers. As of Friday morning, 4% of all U.S. flights have been canceled, with plans to increase that number to 10% by next Friday.

Travelers at O’Hare are feeling the impact of these cancellations, with many caught off guard. Jade Virdi, 29, returning from a business trip to Milwaukee, expressed her frustration after American Airlines canceled her flight around 9 p.m. on Thursday. “I’m frustrated,” she said, as she rushed to re-book an earlier flight. Virdi sympathized with air traffic controllers, stating, “If I wasn’t getting paid, I wouldn’t want to work either.” Air traffic controllers have been working unpaid since October 1, 2023.

The FAA’s decision to cut flights affects 40 of the nation’s busiest airports, with United Airlines, the largest carrier at O’Hare, reporting a reduction of roughly 20 round-trip flights on Friday. This number is set to rise to 50 flights by next Friday. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford confirmed that these cuts were necessary due to increased staffing pressures and growing safety concerns regarding controller fatigue.

Travelers expressed anxiety over potential cancellations as they navigated the airport. A random sampling by Sun-Times reporters found that the majority of passengers at O’Hare did not face cancellations, but the ongoing situation remains tense. “It was probably the best experience I ever had,” said Peter Huskings, 49, who experienced smooth security in Atlanta while flying to Chicago for his 50th birthday.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized the need for immediate action, stating he did not want to wait until the situation escalated into a crisis. As the FAA continues to monitor staffing levels and flight operations, travelers are advised to stay updated on their flight statuses to avoid further disruptions.

For those flying in the coming days, the situation remains fluid. Passengers are encouraged to check with their airlines and remain vigilant as the FAA’s flight cuts take effect. Share this urgent news with fellow travelers to keep them informed about the ongoing situation at O’Hare and across the country.